Journal of Aging and Physical Activity最新文献

{"title":"Differences in the First Reactive Step Response to Unannounced Lateral Perturbation During Walking in Older Adults With and Without a Fall History: Exploratory Pilot Study.","authors":"Hadas Nachmani, Itshak Melzer","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unexpected loss of balance during walking and ineffective reactive response are major causes of falls in older adults. We aimed to compare the kinematics of the first reactive step to unannounced balance perturbation while walking in older adults with and without a fall history. In an exploratory cross-sectional study, 14 older adults (84% female) who reported a fall in the past year and 21 older adults (72% female) without a fall history were instructed to walk on a treadmill that provided unannounced lateral surface perturbations. The perturbation magnitudes were systematically increased from low to high. The average values of first reactive step parameters across all perturbation magnitudes were compared between the groups. The step initiation time and the step duration of the first reactive step in older adults with a fall history were slower than older adults without a fall history (342 ± 124 ms vs. 306 ± 122 ms, p = .001 and 670 ± 195 ms vs. 602 ± 191 ms, p < .001, respectively), and step length was larger (21 ± 10 cm vs. 17 ± 9 cm, p < .001). The displacement of the center of mass after the perturbation tended to be larger in older adults with a fall history (p = .047). In addition, the highest perturbation achieved by older adults with a fall history was lower (p = .016). The results indicate that the ability of older adults with a fall history to initiate a recovery step during gait is delayed; the first reactive step was slower and larger as they were less able to control the moving center of mass over the base of support provided by the feet.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148763637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical Activity, Stress, Burden, and Quality of Life of Caregivers of Older Adults With Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic.","authors":"Andréa Rodrigues de Amorim Molina, Juliana Hotta Ansai, Décio Bueno Neto, Carolina Tsen, Renata Carolina Gerassi, Maria Jasmine Gomes da Silva, Grace Angélica de Oliveira Gomes, Larissa Pires de Andrade","doi":"10.1123/japa.2024-0304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2024-0304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Providing care for older adults with dementia generates stress and challenges, impacting quality of life (QoL). Physical activity offers benefits, and the link between physical activity levels (PAL) and these factors during the pandemic can be further explored. This study aimed to examine associations between PAL, stress, burden, and QoL among dementia caregivers during COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eighty-nine caregivers of older adults with mild to moderate dementia participated in the study. The online assessment included a medical history questionnaire, the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Zarit Burden Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Alzheimer's Disease Quality of Life Scale-Caregiver Version. Spearman's rho was used to examine correlations between PAL and stress, burden, and QoL. A generalized linear model (gamma distribution) analyzed associations between metabolic equivalents per week and stress, burden, and QoL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A negative correlation between metabolic equivalents per week and burden (ρ = -.26, p = .014) indicated that higher PAL was correlated to lower burden. A positive correlation between metabolic equivalents per week and QoL (ρ = .34, p = .001) showed that higher PAL was associated with better QoL. No correlation was found between PAL and stress. However, significant associations were observed between PAL and both burden, χ2(1) = 5.065, p = .024, and QoL, χ2(1) = 6.983, p = .008.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher PAL in dementia caregivers is associated with lower burden and better QoL. Significance/Implications: Promoting physical activity may improve caregivers' QoL and reduce burden, guiding future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148765761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic for Recreational Group Physical Activities for Older Adults: Participant and Service Provider Perspectives.","authors":"Meghan H McDonough, Michelle Patterson, Bobbie-Ann Craig, Delaney Duchek, Stephanie Won, Jennifer Hewson","doi":"10.1123/japa.2024-0167","DOIUrl":"10.1123/japa.2024-0167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Social participation and physical activity are lifestyle factors that improve well-being and health. Older adult populations are at greater risk of inactivity and social isolation, both of which were exacerbated by COVID-19 restrictions (e.g., physical distancing, recreational program closures). Recreational programs that provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction are important for addressing these concerns in communities. This research examined lived experiences with changes in physical activity and social participation among adults ≥65 years during the COVID-19 pandemic, their perspectives on precautionary measures and alternate forms of program delivery, and experiences and challenges service providers in the recreation sector faced in adapting programs for older adults during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using interpretive description methodology, we interviewed older adults (n = 20) and service providers (n = 10).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes were identified: (a) concerns about safety and risk given heightened vulnerability, (b) alternate options helped with participation but inequities in access persist, (c) forging new routines after a major lapse, and (d) social connections supported resilience but sense of community dwindled.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is important that organizations balance risks of participation with nonparticipation; address the compounding challenges and inequities of a disruption; understand the importance of social benefits of physical activity in this population; and plan to support resilience, cope with the aftermath of COVID-19, and prepare for future challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"558-569"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145514858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidimensional Effects of Mind-Body Exercise on Cognitive Function, Physical Function, and Body Composition in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Tao Liu, Shusheng Shi, Wang Li, Zhijian Wu","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0058","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Cognitive decline is a common concern in aging populations, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) often precedes dementia. Mind-body exercise (e.g., tai chi and baduanjin) combines mental focus and physical movement, potentially improving both cognitive and physical function. This study aimed to evaluate whether a 12-week mind-body exercise intervention could enhance cognitive function, physical function, and body composition in older adults with MCI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized controlled trial was conducted with community-dwelling older adults (≥60 years) in Nanjing, China. Participants were assigned to either a mind-body exercise group (tai chi and baduanjin, three sessions/week, 60 min/session) or a control group (standard health education and light stretching). Cognitive outcomes included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, memory, and executive function. Physical function was assessed via the 30-s chair stand, 30-s arm curl, 2.44-m up and go, and single-leg stand, and body composition measures encompassed waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, and body mass index.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 12 weeks, the mind-body exercise group showed significantly greater improvements in Montreal Cognitive Assessment score (Δ = 2.04, p < .01), memory (Δ = 0.72 points), and executive function (Δ = 0.37 points) compared with the control group. Participants also improved physical function, evidenced by increased repetition counts in the 30-s chair stand (Δ = 5.93) and arm curl tests (Δ = 5.17) and reduced up-and-go times (Δ = -0.73 s). Although modest reductions in waist and hip circumference were observed, there were no statistically significant group differences in body mass index or overall body fat percentage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A 12-week mind-body exercise program (tai chi and baduanjin) significantly enhances cognitive and physical function in older adults with MCI. These findings suggest that integrating mind-body exercises may be beneficial as a nonpharmacological intervention to address cognitive decline.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>The observed improvements in cognition and physical performance highlight the potential for mind-body exercises to serve as a practical, low-cost strategy for delaying or mitigating MCI-related declines in aging populations. Incorporating such interventions into community-based programs or clinical recommendations could promote healthy aging and reduce the burden of cognitive impairment on health care systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148609732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acute Effects of Velocity-Monitored Resistance Training With 10% and 20% Velocity Loss in Hemodynamic, Metabolic, and Mechanical Parameters in Older Adults.","authors":"Tiago Sousa, Ana Pereira, Diogo Luís Marques, Nuno Fonseca, Luís Brandão Faíl, Mafalda Pamplona Pinto, Ana Ruivo Alves, António Carlos Sousa, Mário Cardoso Marques","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0431","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Velocity-monitored resistance training (RT) marked a significant advancement in the RT paradigm by providing precise information about the loads applied.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study compared the acute effects of velocity-monitored RT with 10% versus 20% velocity loss (VL) on hemodynamic, metabolic, and mechanical parameters in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-nine older adults (81 ± 8 years) randomly performed two training protocols separated by a 1-week rest period: three sets of 10% VL (VL10) or 20% VL (VL20) at 60% of one-repetition maximum in chest and leg press exercises. Before and immediately after each protocol, we collected the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and blood lactate. Furthermore, we recorded the fastest velocity and peak power reached against the same weight before and after each resistance exercise.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed significant differences between protocols in VL (∼12% vs. ∼21%, p < .001) and total repetitions (∼12 vs. ∼24, p < .001). Furthermore, in comparison with the VL10 protocol, the VL20 elicited a higher increase in blood lactate (29% vs. 11%, p < .001) and a reduction in chest press peak power (-4% vs. +3%, p < .001) and chest press velocity (-4% vs. +2%, p < .001). There were no differences between protocols on systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that a VL20 magnitude induces higher metabolic and mechanical stress than a VL10 magnitude, whereas the latter can preserve mechanical performance in older adults.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>Implementing velocity-monitored RT ensured regulation of the training load, uniform effort, and objective assessment of training effect.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148594140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid Strength in Adults Over 90 Years Declines More Than Maximal Strength and Skeletal Muscle Mass.","authors":"Bruno Strey, Talita Molinari, Tainara Steffens, Rodrigo Neske, Sandro Remo Freitas, Carlos Cruz-Montecinos, Ronei Silveira Pinto, Caroline Pietta-Dias","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objective: </strong>Living beyond 90 years is rare worldwide. Although aging impairs neuromuscular function and body composition, little is known about changes in individuals over 90 years old. This cross-sectional study examined associations between age and neuromuscular-related parameters in adults over 90 years old.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 42 individuals above 90 years old (94.9 ± 3.1 years, range: 90-102 years) attended laboratory testing. Participants underwent assessments of body composition (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry); quadriceps muscle thickness and quality (via ultrasonography); and knee extension maximum strength, rapid strength (i.e., rate of torque development [RTD]), and muscular endurance via isometric dynamometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Linear regression analyses revealed no significant associations between age and muscle mass (βs = -0.103, p = .506), quality (βs = 0.198, p = .222), and endurance (βs = -0.021, p = .916). However, age was negatively correlated with RTD during the later phases (150-350 ms) of isometric knee extension, with the most pronounced decline observed in the 100-200 ms interval (βs = -0.456, p = .014), corresponding to a mean reduction of ∼9% per year. Early-phase RTD (0-100 ms) showed marginal significance (p = .069), suggesting potential age-related neural impairments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In individuals over 90 years old, neuromuscular decline appears more related to rapid strength (RTD) than to maximal strength or muscle quantity/quality. Significance/Implications: RTD loss may compromise abilities essential for independence, such as balance recovery and fall prevention. Targeting explosive strength rather than hypertrophy or maximal strength could be key for preserving mobility in extreme old age.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in Physical Activity among Older Adults Living Alone: A Latent Class Growth Analysis.","authors":"Juna Lee, Eunjoo Kim","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0066","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study explored the physical activity (PA) trajectories and associated factors among older adults living alone.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from three waves (2016-2020) of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging were analyzed. A sample of 219 individuals aged 65 and older, living alone and with no cognitive or physical impairments, was selected. Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct subpopulations among older adults living alone, each characterized by unique PA trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was also performed to identify associated factors for each PA trajectory class.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Latent class growth analysis identified two PA trajectories: a low-growth class (86.4%) with initially low PA levels that increased over time and a high-decline class (13.6%) with initially high PA levels that then decreased. Multinomial logistic regression showed that living in a metropolitan area was associated with belonging to the high-decline class (odds ratio = 4.141, 95% confidence interval [1.033, 16.603]).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the existence of distinct PA trajectories among older adults living alone, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to support sustained PA, particularly for those in metropolitan areas who are at risk of declining activity levels.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>The findings underscore the importance of considering geographic location and its impact on PA patterns among older adults, suggesting that urban-specific strategies may be necessary to promote and maintain active lifestyles in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148585760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pilot Testing of Tone Dance: A Culturally Adapted Group-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline.","authors":"Natsuda Khatichop, Natsala Longphasuk, Churai Arpaichiraratana, Wachira Suriyawong, Panawat Sanprakhon","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0304","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0304","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Older adults with subjective cognitive decline often show reduced physical activity (PA) increasing the risk of cognitive impairment. This study sought to pilot test and examine the effects of a culturally adapted, group-based, moderate-intensity PA (Tone Dance) program on daily PA, cognitive lapses, and cognitive functioning in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental study was conducted among older adults with subjective cognitive decline. Participants were allocated to an experimental group (n = 32), which completed a 7-week (14 sessions) Tone Dance intervention and a control group (n = 32) receiving usual care. Feasibility included recruitment, participation, and retention rates; adverse events; participant satisfaction; and program delivery competency. Preliminary outcomes were assessed: daily PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form), cognitive lapses (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire), and cognitive functioning (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze feasibility outcomes. Between-group preliminary outcome differences were analyzed using independent t-tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No dropout and no adverse events were reported. Participant satisfaction ranged from 3.56 ± 0.51 to 4.00. Interventionists achieved program delivery competency scores ≥80%. Postintervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in daily PA and reductions in cognitive lapses compared with the control group (p < .05). No statistically significant differences in cognitive functioning were found between groups (p > .05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Culturally adapted, group-based PA interventions such as this program promote increased daily PA and reduced cognitive lapses in older adults.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>Nurses and community health practitioners can implement such programs to assist older adults in achieving recommended PA levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148473793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Six Weeks of Mini-Trampoline Training Improves Balance, Mobility, and Walking Capacity in Older Adults.","authors":"Bradley J Kendall, Brandon J Dykstra, Quinn T Anderson, Rachel E Breuer, Sara H Bergen, Erik S Hayes","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0257","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aging can be associated with poor cardiovascular health and physical function. This study aimed to compare 6 weeks of mini-trampoline training with walking in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-seven adults (age 71.1 ± 5.6 years) were assigned to either a trampoline exercise group or a walking group. Both groups completed 20-min sessions three times a week. Assessments of balance, mobility, and walking capacity were conducted pre- and postintervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was a significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 12.858, p = .001, η2 = .222, for the single-leg stand test. The main effect of time for the trampoline exercise group, F(1, 24) = 21.0, p < .01, η2 = .467, was significant with posttest time improving compared with pretest time. There was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 0.249, p > .05, η2 = .006, for the four-square step test. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 15.523, p = .001, η2 = .256, with both groups improving from pre to post. For the 6-min walk test, there was no significant Group × Time interaction, F(1, 45) = 1.365, p > .05, η2 = .029. The main effect of time was significant, F(1, 45) = 10.397, p = .002, η2 = .188, with both groups improving compared with baseline.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Trampoline training and walking improved balance and walking capacity, whereas only trampoline training led to improvements in single-leg balance.</p><p><strong>Significance: </strong>This study highlights that both exercise modalities are effective forms of activity for older adults.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148450277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Walking Speed Reserve in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Integrative Biokinesiology and Ecokinesiology Approach.","authors":"Paul Medina-González","doi":"10.1123/japa.2025-0356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1123/japa.2025-0356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Walking speed is a functional biomarker, but clinical thresholds often miss community demands. This study quantified mechanical reserve (walking speed functional reserve, %FRWS) and physiological reserve (heart rate functional reserve, %FRHR) in Near- and Far-ecokinesiological groups and examined their alignment with ecological thresholds.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Observational cross-sectional secondary analysis of a deidentified cohort. STROBE-compliant. Seventy older adults (≥60 years) completed a 40-m elliptical-circuit test.</p><p><strong>Exclusions: </strong>Neurological disease, contraindication to exertion, lower-limb pain, or Mini-Mental State Examination < 13.</p><p><strong>Measures: </strong>Self-selected and maximal walking speeds (MWS); %FRWS and %FRHR derived from heart rate work. Heart rate reserve was computed to monitor effort during testing. Ecokinesiology (EK) status: Near-EK (self-selected walking speed 0.80-1.19 m/s) or Far-EK (≥1.20 m/s). Quadrant profiling combined %FRWS (x) and %FRHR (y).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Near-EK participants were older with higher body mass/body mass index (p = .006; p = .009; p = .003). Far-EK showed higher self-selected walking speed and MWS (both p < .001). Reserves diverged: %FRWS was higher in Near-EK (18.4 ± 6.3% vs. 14.0 ± 6.8%, p = .008), whereas %FRHR and its increment were higher in Far-EK (56.5 ± 21.6% vs. 45.9 ± 18.1%, p = .027; 18.7 ± 7.6% vs. 15.1 ± 9.9%, p = .016). Quadrant allocation was heterogeneous but nonsignificant (Near-EK χ2 = 5.40, p = .15; Far-EK χ2 = 2.04, p = .62), revealing capacity-context mismatches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ecological mobility cannot be inferred from reserve metrics alone. Integrating indicators with ecological thresholds enables stratification and exposes mismatches in Near- and Far-EK. Significance/Implications: This approach supports personalized assessment, exercise prescription, and environment-informed configurations for healthy aging.</p>","PeriodicalId":51073,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Aging and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148450274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}